Shafie: Sabah govt will help all races, religions

Warisan leader says his government will help to build churches and even give allowances to Christian pastors if there are funds.

Shafie Apdal accompanied by Wilfred Madius Tangau (4th from right) being greeted by Upko members in Penampang

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government will not practise favouritism in bringing about development in the state as it must benefit people of all races and religions, says Chief Minister Shafie Apdal.

He said his new administration was committed to ensuring fair treatment to all taxpayers. “Those paying are not only Muslims but Christians (and others). So why can’t we use the tax money to bring development for them?” he said.

“The government will help build churches and if the funds are there we will also give allowances to church pastors,” he added.

“As a Muslim I will of course look after the Muslim community, but it doesn’t stop there because I will also fight for the interests of the non-Muslims,” he said.

Shafie, who is president of Parti Warisan Sabah, made his pledge in a speech when opening a general meeting of the United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) in Penampang near here yesterday.

Shafie also said he welcomed the move by Upko’s supreme council and delegates on the party’s stand to support the Warisan-Pakatan Harapan alliance.

“This is a history for us as Sabahans in politics. The change (in government) this time is because the people have spoken through their ballots,” he said.

Barisan Nasional lost power after failing to gain a majority in the State Assembly after polling on May 9.

The newly-elected assemblymen from Upko quit BN the next day and declared support for Warisan, allowing the party to form the government. Shafie was sworn in as chief minister on May 12.

Upko acting president Wilfred Madius Tangau said the party’s supreme council decided to join forces with Warisan based on the change desired by the people, and to ensure continuation in Upko’s struggles.

Tangau said Upko had found difficulties in being part of the BN coalition with a dominant party, Umno.

“But today we are relieved because we have a friend who understands us. Hopefully this will result into bringing about development for the people,” he said. - FMT